Don Juan 06-046 ~ 050
 
 
Don Juan 06-046
Canto the Sixth
 
     XLVI
 
But here the Mother of the Maids drew near,
     With, "Ladies, it is time to go to rest.
I'm puzzled what to do with you, my dear,"
     She added to Juanna, their new guest:
"Your coming has been unexpected here,
     And every couch is occupied; you had best
Partake of mine; but by to-morrow early
We will have all things settled for you fairly."
 
 
Don Juan 06-047
Canto the Sixth
 
     XLVII
 
Here Lolah interposed -- "Mamma, you know
     You don't sleep soundly, and I cannot bear
That anybody should disturb you so;
     I'll take Juanna; we're a slenderer pair
Than you would make the half of; -- don't say no;
     And I of your young charge will take due care."
But here Katinka interfered, and said,
"She also had compassion and a bed.
 
 
Don Juan 06-048
Canto the Sixth
 
     XLVIII
 
"Besides, I hate to sleep alone," quoth she.
     The matron frown'd: "Why so?" -- "For fear of ghosts,"
Replied Katinka; "I am sure I see
     A phantom upon each of the four posts;
And then I have the worst dreams that can be,
     Of Guebres, Giaours, and Ginns, and Gouls in hosts."
The dame replied, "Between your dreams and you,
I fear Juanna's dreams would be but few.
 
 
Don Juan 06-049
Canto the Sixth
 
     XLIX
 
"You, Lolah, must continue still to lie
     Alone, for reasons which don't matter; you
The same, Katinka, until by and by;
     And I shall place Juanna with Dudu,
Who's quiet, inoffensive, silent, shy,
     And will not toss and chatter the night through.
What say you, child?" -- Dudu said nothing, as
Her talents were of the more silent class;
 
 
Don Juan 06-050
Canto the Sixth
 
     L
 
But she rose up, and kiss'd the matron's brow
     Between the eyes, and Lolah on both cheeks,
Katinka, too; and with a gentle bow
     (Curt'sies are neither used by Turks nor Greeks)
She took Juanna by the hand to show
     Their place of rest, and left to both their piques,
The others pouting at the matron's preference
Of Dudu, though they held their tongues from deference.
 
George Gordon Byron, Lord Byron (1788-1824)
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